South Sudan has established a coalition of government institutions, civil society organizations and other partners to coordinate efforts towards imple...
South Sudan has established a coalition of government institutions, civil society organizations and other partners to coordinate efforts towards implementing the Maputo Protocol on Women's Rights.The South Sudan Maputo Protocol Coalition (SSMPC) was formed during an inaugural meeting held on Nov. 6, 2026, in Juba, convened by the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in collaboration with Global Voices Organization (GVO), with support from Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).The initiative follows recommendations from national consultations held in July and August 2026, which called for a coordinated mechanism to advance the domestication and implementation of the protocol.Josephine Chandiru Drama, Executive Director of Global Voices Organization, said the coalition brings together government institutions, civil society organizations, academia, media practitioners and experts to promote women's rights.She said that although South Sudan ratified the Maputo Protocol in 2023, its implementation has remained limited due partly to the absence of a clear roadmap and national action plan.Miriam Betty Okech, the ministry's Director for Child Protection, called for stronger institutional commitment and collaboration to advance the implementation process.Participants also emphasized the need to involve young people, particularly boys and men, in promoting awareness of women's rights and preventing gender-based violence.David Yui George, representing the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, said young people have an important role in supporting the implementation of the protocol.Joyce Dikun Charles, Executive Director of the South Sudan Women with Disabilities Network, called for an inclusive approach that ensures women with disabilities are fully represented and their rights protected.Members agreed to hold monthly virtual and in-person meetings to strengthen coordination, monitor progress and follow up on agreed activities.The coalition is expected to provide a national platform for coordinating efforts to translate South Sudan's commitments under the Maputo Protocol into practical action to advance women's rights.
0 likes